Previous Leadership Academy Fellows

Education Credentials: B.S. in Early Childhood Development from the University of Tennessee, K-4 initial certification from Kennesaw State University, academic requirements for teaching gifted education from the University of Tennessee, Masters of Education in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University, Urban Specialist certificate from the University of Tennessee and the Teacher Mentor program at the University of Tennessee.

Paula Brown
Education Credentials: B.S. in Psychology and Special Education from East Tennessee State University, graduate course work in education administration and supervision from Lincoln Memorial University, M.S. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Tennessee, Lyndhurst Fellowship and Elementary Education certification from the University of Tennessee, Urban Specialist program at the University of Tennessee, Education Specialist Degree in school administration and supervision from LMU.

Jonathan East

Education Credentials: Bachelor’s of Music Education from the University of Georgia (Magna Cum Laude), M.S. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University (Summa Cum Laude).

Kimberle Harrison

Education Credentials: B.S. in Special Education from the University of Tennessee, M.S. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

Alisha Hinton

Education Credentials: B.A. in Psychology (Minor in Elementary Education) from the University of Tennessee, M.S. in K-8 Elementary Education from the University of Tennessee, Education Specialist/Administration from Lincoln Memorial University.

Renee Kelly

Education Credentials: B.S. in Business Administration/Marketing from the University of Tennessee, M.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Tennessee.

Tiffany Dukes

Education Credentials: B.S. in Human Ecology/Child Development (Minor in Business) from the University of Tennessee, M.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Tennessee.

Terry Nieporte

Education Credentials: B.S. in Health Education from East Tennessee State University, M.A. in Teaching from Carson Newman College, Urban Specialist graduate from the University of Tennessee.

Ryan Siebe

Education Credentials: B.A. in English from Milligan College, M.A. in Instructional Leadership with honors from Tennessee Tech.

Shay Siler

Education Credentials: B.S. in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston, Master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Tennessee.

Jamie Snyder

Educational Credentials: B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Tennessee, M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Tennessee, M.S. in Administration from Lincoln Memorial University, Education Degree from Lincoln Memorial University.

Robert Speas

Education Credentials: B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Tennessee, M.S. in Education from the University of Tennessee, Ed.S. in Educational Administration from Lincoln Memorial University.

Birdsong has a bachelor’s degree in special education from Bowling Green (Ky.) State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Montana. She previously taught special education at the middle- and high-school levels in Montana, California and Ohio, and she has worked as an education coordinator in New Hampshire.

Joe Cameron

Cameron has a bachelor’s degree in education from Carson-Newman College. He has a master’s degree in administration and an educational specialist degree in curriculum and instruction, both from Lincoln Memorial University. He previously taught physical education at Holston Middle School and Carter Elementary School. He headed the School Health Index Committee at Holston Middle and served on the School Leadership Team and Tennessee School Improvement Plan for Carter Elementary.

Tammi Campbell

Campbell has a bachelor’s degree in business administration/marketing from Clark Atlanta University and a master’s degree in education from Tusculum College. She has an educational specialist degree in administration and supervision and a master’s degree in counseling and guidance, both from Lincoln Memorial University. She’s been the Project GRAD facilitator for the Knox County Schools and served in several capacities with Project GRAD Knoxville. She’s also been a training specialist for KCDC.

Keith CottrellCottrell has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UT Knoxville, a master’s degree in teaching from Carson-Newman College and an educational specialist degree in administration and supervision from Lincoln Memorial University. He has taught at Sterchi and A.L Lotts elementary schools and Cedar Bluff Middle School. He has served as summer school principal at Beaumont Elementary.

Wendy Hansard

Hansard has a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Carson-Newman College and a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from UT Knoxville. As an elementary instruction coach, she serves Halls, Corryton, Powell and East Knox elementary schools. She previously taught fourth grade at Inskip Elementary. She is a certified value-added leader for the State of Tennessee and is co-president elect of the Smoky Mountain Reading Council.

Jessica Holman

Holman has a bachelor’s degree in human ecology and a master’s degree in child and family studies, both from UT Knoxville. She previously taught third grade at Dogwood Elementary School. She has served on the board of directors for the National Education Association (NEA) and Tennessee Education Association. She won the NEA Foundation “I CAN Learn” Award for Teaching Excellence in 2007.

Nadriene Jackson

She has a bachelor’s degree in speech communication education from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Mississippi College. She previously taught theater, broadcast journalism, public speaking and debate and communications at elementary, middle and high schools in Georgia, Mississippi and Texas. She also served as the Parent Resource and Dropout Prevention Coordinator for the Walton County (Ga.) Board of Education.

Mark Jones

Jones has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from ETSU and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from TTU. He previously taught sixth grade at Gresham Middle. He has served as a staff development trainer at Gresham Middle and elsewhere in Knox and Sullivan counties. He also has been a mentor for new science teachers in Knox County, a foster parent trainer and as a crisis intervention case manager/court liaison and child abuse investigator for Child and Family Services.

Kristi Woods

Woods has a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science education from Tennessee Wesleyan College and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Middle Tennessee State University. She has been an elementary instructional coach at several Knox County schools. She has taught elementary school in Knox and Morrison counties and junior high in Wilson County. She was Teacher of the Year at East Knox County Elementary in 2006-07.

Mr. Booker has been in the education field since 2003 and at Central since 2004. He was an English as a Second Language Teacher, Lead Teacher, TEAM Evaluator; 2011-2012 Tennessee Teacher of the Year.

Windy Clayton

Mrs. Clayton has been an educator since 1997 and has been with the Knox County Schools since 2005, first as a teacher at Farragut Middle School and then as an Assistant Principal at South Doyle Middle School.

Casey Cutter

Mr. Cutter has been in the field of education since 2007 and has been with the Knox County Schools since 2010 Prior to the Leadership Academy, he was a third-grade teacher at Adrian Burnett Elementary and a fourth-grade teacher at Ball Camp.

Laicee Hatfield

Mrs. Hatfield began as a student teacher at West High School in 2004 and has been with the Knox County Schools since that time. Prior to the Leadership Academy, she was a Science Teacher, Lead Teacher, and TEAM Evaluator at Central.

Tina Miller Holt

Mrs. Holt has been an educator since 1993 and has been with the Knox County Schools since 1995 as an elementary teacher at Beaumont Magnet, Ball Camp, and Fountain City Elementary Schools. Prior to the Leadership Academy, she was a TAP Master Teacher at West Haven.

Desiree Odom Jones

Mrs. Jones has been an educator at the Knox County Schools since 1996, teaching such classes as English, Journalism, and Creative Writing at South-Doyle High School and Hardin Valley Academy. Prior to the Leadership Academy, she was a TAP Master Teacher at Austin-East.

Nathan Langlois

Mr. Langlois has 15 years of experience in large urban/suburban school districts as both a teacher and an educational leader. He joined the Knox County Schools in 2011 as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Powell.

Kathryn Marie Lutton

Mrs. Lutton has been in the field of education since 2004. Prior to the Leadership Academy, she was a Literacy and Writing Coordinator and English Teacher at Fulton High School.

Jessica Schaefer Ruiz

Mrs. Ruiz has been in the Knox County Schools since 2004, teaching at the elementary grade level at Green Magnet and Beaumont Magnet. Prior to the Leadership Academy, she was a TAP Master Teacher at Sarah Moore Greene Magnet.

Tiffany Watkins

Mrs. Watkins has been with the Knox County Schools since 1995, teaching at the elementary grade level at Ball Camp, Christenberry, Mount Olive, West Haven, and Fountain City Elementary Schools. Prior to the Leadership Academy, she was First Grade Teacher and KCS Mentor Teacher at Hardin Valley Elementary.

Prior to to the Leadership Academy, Tara served Mount Olive Elementary School as its first-grade Lead Teacher and for the Knox County Schools as a district-wide first grade mentor teacher. She has nearly a decade of experience with the Knox County Schools and holds a degree from Lincoln Memorial University as an Educational Specialist in Administration and Supervision.

Christopher James

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Christopher worked at Fulton High School as special education teacher. Previously, he worked at Robert L. Osborne High School in Marietta, Georgia from 2006 to 2011. He holds a Master’s of Arts in Education from University of Phoenix with a concentration in Special Education.

Shelly McGill

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Shelly worked as an assistant principal at Carter Elementary School. She has been with the Knox County Schools since 2006 where she began at Brickey-McCloud Elementary School. McGill holds an Education Specialist’s degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

Dexter Murphy

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Dexter had been with Pond Gap Elementary School since 2009 where he served as a fifth-grade teacher and mentor teacher. He holds a Master’s of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University.

Megan O’Dell

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Megan was an assistant principal at Brickey-McCloud Elementary. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from Tusculum College and has served in various roles with the Knox County Schools since 2004.

J. Scott Reed

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Scott worked as a lead teacher for the Knox County Schools. Additionally, he worked in special education at Richard Yoakley Alternative School. He holds a Master’s in Administration through the University of Tennessee in Educational Leadership and Policies Studies.

Melissa Stowers

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Melissa worked as a graduation coach at Carter High School. She has been with the Knox County Schools since 2004 when she began as an English instructor at West High School. She holds a Master’s of Education degree in Secondary Education from the University of Tennessee.

Janene Ward

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Janene worked with South College in its School of Education as an instructor. She has delivered several presentations relative to TEAM (Tennessee Educator Acceleration Model) and TAP in several states. She holds a Master’s of Education degree with the University of California, Los Angeles.

Steven York

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Steven was a sixth-grade science teacher and team leader at West Valley Middle School. Previously, he worked at Sedgefield Middle School in Goose Creek, South Carolina for five years. He is currently enrolled in the Educational Specialist program at the University of Tennessee.

Prior to the Leadership Academy, James served as dean of 11 and 12 grade small learning communities, as well as a math teacher, at West High School. He was also a lead teacher and mentor teacher, and a member of the leadership and data teams at the school. He now holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Tennessee, and a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Bowling Green State University.

Jekia Allen

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Jekia worked at A.L. Lotts Elementary as a kindergarten teacher and has worked in education since 2000. She served on the Knox County Schools strategic plan steering committee, as well as the school system’s teacher advisory group. Allen attended Tennessee State University and has a master’s in education, administration and supervision, and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

Becky Williams Barnes

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Becky worked at West Haven Elementary as a first-grade teacher. She was selected as Teacher of the Year for her school in 2013 and 2015. Barnes also served as a board member in the 5th District for the Sevier County Board of Education. She received her education specialist degree in administration and supervision, and master’s degree in education from Lincoln Memorial University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Carson-Newman College.

Zachary Best

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Zachary was an assistant principal at Powell Middle School. He previously served as an assistant principal at Northwest Middle School and as a theater arts teacher at Farragut High School. Best is currently completing a doctor of education degree in leadership and learning from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, and has a master’s and bachelor’s degree in English education and theater from the University of Tennessee.

Christopher Deal

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Christopher taught 5th grade at Hardin Valley Elementary and was a lead teacher. Prior to Hardin Valley Elementary, he was a teacher in North Carolina and Florida for 11 years. He has an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Indian River Community College, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Florida Atlantic University, a master’s degree in reading from Nova Southeastern University. He is working toward a doctorate in higher educational leadership from Capella University.

Lorie Johnson

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Lorie served as an assistant principal at West Haven Elementary School. She previously was a TAP master teacher at Dogwood Elementary and a kindergarten lead teacher at Maynard Elementary. Johnson has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from State University of New York at Buffalo, a master’s degree in education from Tusculum College, and an educational specialist degree in administration from Lincoln Memorial University.

Tenisha Marchbanks

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Tenisha was a lead teacher at Bearden Middle School and was previously a teacher at Northwest Middle School. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee, and an education specialist degree in administration and supervision from the University of Tennessee.

Angela Messer

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Angela was an instrumental music professional development specialist, associate director of bands and TAP master teacher at Carter High School. Messer began her teaching career in 1997 at Whittle Springs Middle School. She has a bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from the University of Tennessee, and is working toward a master’s degree in music education from the VanderCook School of Music in Chicago.

Stephanie Prince

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Stephanie was a 4th grade teacher at Brickey-McCloud Elementary School. She has been a teacher since 2006 at both Brickey-McCloud and Rocky Hill Elementary Schools. Prince holds a bachelors degree in history (minor in elementary education) and a masters degree in teacher education (concentration in elementary education) from the University of Tennessee.

Jared Smith

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Jared was a social studies teacher at Heritage Middle School, as well as the head JV baseball coach at Heritage High School, in Maryville, TN. He was also a part-time assistant principal at Heritage Middle. Smith holds a bachelors degree in history from Mercer, a masters in education from the University of Georgia, and an Education Specialist degree from the University of Tennessee.

Michelle Wolfenbarger

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Michelle was a TAP master teacher at Ritta Elementary School. She previously served as an instructional coach at the school. She has been teaching since 2001 and has served at Adrian Burnett Elementary, Carter Elementary and Holston Middle Schools. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education (minor in English) and a master’s degree in teaching (elementary education) from the University of Tennessee.

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Robin served as a 6th grade English/language arts teacher at Cedar Bluff Middle School. She was previously a Common Core Coach for the Tennessee Department of Education. Additionally, she has served as a parent educator for Knox County’s Birth to Kindergarten program and was a kindergarten teacher at Bearden Elementary. Curry holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and a master’s degree in elementary education from UT.

Brent Glenn

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Brent was a TAP master teacher at Carter High School. He was previously a TAP mentor teacher and English teacher at Carter High School. He also taught language arts and reading at Halls Middle School. Glenn has a bachelor’s degree in English literature (graduated cum laude) and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction (graduated summa cum laude) from UT.

Amber Greene

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Amber was a TAP master teacher at West Haven Elementary School. Previously, she was a 2nd grade and lead teacher at Farragut Primary School, and a 2nd grade teacher at Sunnyview Primary School. She also was a deaf education teacher, after school teacher, and itinerant teacher at Richland County School District in Columbia, S.C. Greene holds a bachelor of science degree in special education and a master of science degree in teacher education from UT.

Candace Greer

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Candace was a technology, pedagogy and content knowledge (TPaCK) Coach at Vine Middle Magnet School. Previously, Greer was a personalized learning environment (PLE) innovation specialist for the Knox County Schools, and was an English teacher at West High School. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in English literature and a master of science in secondary education from UT.

Job Iles

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Job worked as a math teacher at William Blount High School. He started as a math teacher in 2009 at Coffee County Central High School. He holds a bachelors in mathematics and a masters in mathematics education from Middle Tennessee State University, and an education specialist in instructional leadership from Tennessee Technological University.

Kamau Kenyatta

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Kamau worked as a social studies teacher at Vine Middle Magnet School. He previously served as a 7th grade social studies and 8th grade honors teacher at Carter Middle School. When he is not teaching, Kenyatta is senior pastor at the Logan Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion church in Knoxville. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and an educational specialist degree in administration and supervision from UT.

Denise Neal

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Denise was a TAP master teacher at Austin-East Magnet High School. She previously served as a Title I instructional coach at Whittle Springs Middle School, and was a 6th grade reading, language arts and social studies teacher at Northwest Middle School. Neal holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, a master of science degree in education, and an education specialist degree in reading education from UT.

Suzanne Parham

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Suzanne was an instructional coach at West Hills Elementary and was previously an instructional coach at Beaumont Honors Magnet Academy. She has also served as a reading intervention teacher at Inskip Elementary and a Response to Intervention (RTI) coordinator at the Lenoir City Schools. Parham holds a bachelor of science degree in communication (graduated cum laude) from Florida State University, a master of science degree in elementary education (graduated summa cum laude) from UT, and an education specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from Lincoln Memorial University.

Cindy Sanford

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Cindy was a numeracy coach for the Knox County Schools and also serves on the district’s math textbook adoption committee. She was previously a common core coach for the Tennessee Department of Education, as well as a 4th grade teacher at Lonsdale Elementary. Sanford has a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from South College.

Jennie Scott

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Jennie was an assistant principal at Adrian Burnett Elementary School. She was previously an early literacy coach at Mount Olive Elementary School and served many roles at A.L. Lotts, including 3rd grade teacher and professional learning community (PLC) facilitator, 1st grade teacher, grade level chair and a member of the leadership team. She also served as a 1st grade mentor for all new 1st grade teachers in the Knox County Schools. Scott holds a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Tusculum College and a master of science degree in educational administration from UT.

Russ Wise

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Russ was a technology coach and lead teacher at Central High School. He has previously served as an administration intern at Central, and also as a teacher and technology coordinator at Halls High School. Wise holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting and business law from UT, and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Zachary served as the Technology Pedagogy and Content Knowledge (TPaCK) Coach at Corryton Elementary School. Mr. Brewer has also served as a teacher and technology coach at a K-12 international school in Chengdu, China where he also worked as a mentor teacher and effectively integrated technology and the arts through creating movies. He has led a variety of professional development activities covering best teaching practices and technology for all K-5 staff in the Knox County Schools. Mr. Brewer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from East Tennessee State University.

Jennifer Garrett

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Jennifer worked as a TPaCK Coach at Sterchi Elementary School. She has also served as a third-grade teacher and fifth grade teacher in the Knox County Schools. Additionally, she has held many leadership positions during her tenure in the district. These include being a Professional Development Leader for technology, Common Core, TEAM, and her grade level. Ms. Garrett holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo and is currently working on a Masters in Teacher Leadership from Lamar University.

Jason Harris

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Jason served as an assistant principal at A. L. Lotts Elementary. He has also served as an administrative assistant at A. L. Lotts and Austin East High School. Mr. Harris holds an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Teaching and Multicultural Studies both from the University of Tennessee.

Sara Harris

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Sara worked as an Instructional Coach at Bonny Kate Elementary School. She has held numerous leadership positions such as serving as a member of her building-level leadership team, grade- level department chairperson, a member of the system wide Portfolio Development Team and a Core Coach State Trainer. Ms. Harris holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Presbyterian College.

Melody Hobbs

Melody has been a classroom teacher since 1996, and since 2002, she has also been a district preschool program coordinator for Lenoir City Schools. she holds a bachelors degree in early childhood development, and a masters in early childhood education, from East Tennessee State University.

Nathan Lynn

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Nathan worked as athletic director and administrative assistant at Bearden High School. He has also worked as system-wide Professional Development Specialist in Physical Education and as an elementary physical education teacher. Mr. Lynn has held many other leadership positions such as lead teacher and a member of his building-level leadership team. He holds a Masters of Education degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education both from Carson-Newman University.

Binta McClendon

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Binta has served as Early Literacy Instructional Coach at Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy. She has held numerous leadership roles such as a lead teacher, a member of her building-level leadership team, and a member of her school’s data team. Ms. McClendon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Tennessee State University and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Carson-Newman University.

Meagan Miller

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Meagan worked as a Numeracy Coach at Green Magnet Academy. She has served on the Professional Development Council for the Tennessee Department of Education and the Standards Review Committee for grades 9-12 mathematics for the Tennessee State Board of Education. Ms. Miller has also led many professional development activities such as TEAM/TAP training. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University and a Bachelors in Mathematics from Gardner-Webb University.

Jennifer Morrell

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Jennifer worked as a seventh-grade mathematics teacher at Karns Middle School. She has also served as an instructional coach and numeracy coach in the Knox County Schools. Ms. Morrell has been a TEAM Professional Development Specialist for the district where she provided instruction to her fellow teachers on the successful implementation of the elements of the TEAM rubric in the classroom. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from King College and a Masters in Mathematics from the University of Tennessee.

Danielle Rutig

Danielle started teaching as a fifth grade teacher in 2005 in Weston, FL. From 2007 to 2015, she was an elementary teacher at Andersonville Elementary School. She has been Assistant Principal at Norwood Middle School since 2015. Danielle represented Tennessee as the 2015-2016 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation ECET National State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) Conference Education Fellow in Nashville, TN. She holds a bachelors in Elementary Education from Florida State University, and a masters in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Tennessee.

James Slay

Prior to the Leadership Academy, James was a fifth-grade teacher at Inskip Elementary School. Mr. Slay has been a member of his building-level leadership team and has held the position of chair of the team twice in the last five years. He holds an Associate degree in Ministry from Ministry International Institute of Powell and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from South College.

Jeremy Snoderly

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Jeremy has been a classroom teacher, track and field coach, and football assistant coach, at William Blount High School in Maryville, TN, since 2006. He holds a bachelor of arts in history, with a geography minor, from East Tennessee State University. He also holds a masters in educational leadership from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Denise Watts

Prior to the Leadership Academy, Denise served as a TPaCK Coach at Austin-East Magnet High School. Ms. Watts has held numerous leadership positions such as a member of the TAP Transition Committee, lead teacher, and system-wide PLC Leader in Accountable Talk. She holds a Master’s degree in Theory and Practice in Teacher Education from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History also from the University of Tennessee.

Before her placement at Brickey-McCloud Elementary School as Assistant Principal during the Leadership Academy, Ms. Blevins was a school administrator with the title of Administrative Assistant at Mooreland Heights Elementary School. Ms. Blevins has broad experience as a classroom teacher, having taught first and second grade at Ritta and Carter elementary schools and as an ESL teacher at several schools. She also served in the important system-wide role of District Lead Teacher. Ms. Blevins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree, both from the University of Arkansas.

Jamie Bowman – Union County Schools

Ms. Bowman currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Horace Maynard Middle School in Union County. She previously served as an Instructional Facilitator and 6th grade English / Language Arts teacher at Maynard Middle. Ms. Bowman holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Tennessee, as well as a Master of Education Degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

Riley Brewer – Knox County Schools

Before her placement at Halls High School as Assistant Principal during the Leadership Academy, Ms. Brewer worked as a Master Teacher at Carter High School, where she provided instructional coaching support to teachers, as well as developmental evaluative feedback. She previously served as a 10th – 12th grade English teacher and Mentor Teacher at Carter High School, and began her teaching career at Rhea County High School. Ms. Brewer holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education English from Tennessee Technological University.

Michelle Clayton – Knox County Schools

Before her placement at Central High School as Assistant Principal during the Leadership Academy, Ms. Clayton served on the administrative team at West High School, with a title of Administrative Assistant. She has significant school leadership experience, having served as the Correctional Principal at the Mountain View Youth Development Center and as Teaching Principal at the New Pathways Academy at the Florence Crittenton Agency. Ms. Clayton also taught at Richard Yoakley Alternative School. Ms. Clayton holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education and History from the University of South Alabama, and a Master of Science Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Tennessee.

Rukiya Foster – Knox County Schools

Before her placement at Powell High School as Assistant Principal during the Leadership Academy, Ms. Foster served as a Spanish Language Teacher and World Languages Department Head at Austin-East Magnet High School. Ms. Foster also taught Spanish for several years at Farragut High School. In addition, she has been deeply involved with the Project GRAD summer institute, and serves as the Administrative Coordinator for Austin-East Roadrunner football. Ms. Foster holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish, and a Master of Science Degree in Secondary Education, both from the University of Tennessee.

Shaunna Foster – Knox County Schools

Before her placement at Gibbs Elementary School as Assistant Principal during the Leadership Academy, Ms. Foster was an Instructional Coach who has served Green Magnet Academy and Chilhowee Intermediate School. Ms. Foster was also a classroom teacher at Belle Morris Elementary School for several years, after having begun her career in the private sector, primarily in banking. Ms. Foster holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Austin Peay State University, as well as a Master of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision, both from Lincoln Memorial University.

Brett Herron – Kingsport City Schools

Before his placement at John Adams Elementary School as Assistant Principal during the Leadership Academy, Mr. Herron was a 4th Grade Math and Science Teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, where he started as a Kindergarten teacher in 2008. He received the 2014-2015 Elementary Teacher of the Year at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary, and has served on the Roosevelt Elementary School Leadership Team for 3 years. Mr. Herron holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from East Tennessee State University, and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Milligan College.

Rachel Hodges – Union County Schools

Before her placement at Union County High School as Assistant Principal during the Leadership Academy, Ms. Hodges was a Secondary English Teacher and Classroom Support Coach at Union County High School, where she has taught since 2013. She has served as a Professional Learning Committee Leader for the past few years, and currently sits on the School Leadership Committee. Ms. Hodges holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Tennessee, and earned her teacher licensure through a post-baccalaureate program at Lincoln Memorial University.

Anita Johnson – Knox County Schools

Before her placement at Hardin Valley Academy as Assistant Principal during the Leadership Academy, Ms. Johnson served on the administrative team at Austin-East High School, with a title of Administrative Assistant. Ms. Johnson also served for many years as an accomplished secondary English teacher and teacher mentor at Bearden High School and earlier at Oak Ridge High School. Ms. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Florida State University.

Spencer Long – Knox County Schools

Before his placement at Karns High School as Assistant Principal during the Leadership Academy, Mr. Long worked as an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, also at Karns High School. Spencer previously taught AP Biology and Anatomy & Physiology at Halls High School, where he also served as a Lead Teacher. He began his teaching career at Jefferson County High School. Mr. Long holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology for Health Sciences from Carson-Newman College.

Oscar Osorio – Blount County Schools

Mr. Osorio was recently appointed as Assistant Principal at Union Grove Middle School in Blount County. Prior to this appointment, he had taught 7th and 8th grade science for many years and served on the leadership team at Heritage Middle School. Before joining the Blount County Schools in 2000, Mr. Osorio began his teaching career in Miami, Florida. Mr. Osorio holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Florida International University, as well as Master’s Degrees in Science Education and Educational Administration, Supervision & Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

April Partin

Before her placement at Karns Elementary School as Assistant Principal during the Leadership Academy, Ms. Partin was an Assistant Principal at Green Magnet Academy. Ms. Partin also served as an Assistant Principal at A.L. Lotts Elementary School. She also taught third and fifth grade students as a classroom teacher at A.L. Lotts Elementary School for several years, and served as a Lead Teacher as well. Ms. Partin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Tennessee, as well as an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

Molly Rice – Maryville City Schools

Ms. Rice was recently appointed as Assistant Principal at Sam Houston Elementary School in Maryville. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Rice had been a classroom teacher at Sam Houston Elementary, serving 3rd and 4th grades. Molly began her teaching career in Westmoreland, Kansas. Ms. Rice holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and a Master of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, both from the University of Tennessee.

William Smith – Knox County Schools

Before his placement at Hardin Valley Elementary School as Assistant Principal during the Leadership Academy, Mr. Smith taught second grade and served as a Lead Teacher at Lonsdale Elementary School. Prior to this, William was a classroom teacher at Inskip Elementary School. In 2016, Mr. Smith earned the distinction of being named the Knox County Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year. Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Ecology and a Master of Science Degree in Child and Family Studies, both from the University of Tennessee.

Lindsey Stinnett – Knox County Schools

Before her placement at Carter Middle School as Assistant Principal during the Leadership Academy, Ms. Stinnett was a Master Teacher, 8th grade English teacher, and the English/Language Arts Department Chair at Vine Middle Magnet School. Ms. Stinnett previously served as an English teacher and Instructional Coach at West High School, where her students consistently demonstrated remarkable academic growth. Ms. Stinnett holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Furman University, as well as Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Theory and Practice in Teacher Education, both from the University of Tennessee.